MUSKEGON, MI – A crowded primary field of 11 candidates seeking two at-large seats on the Muskegon City Commission will face voters Tuesday, Aug. 6.

City primary voters will narrow the number of commission candidates to four. The primary winners will advance to the Nov. 5 general election with the two top vote-getters taking office for four-year terms Jan. 1.

MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle surveyed the 11 candidates and there were two candidate forums in July. Here is look at each of the 11 candidates:

Joshua Stewart EldenBrady, 30, of 1336 Spring St.

Occupation: Currently working as a second grade teacher for the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy summer school program. He also is an attorney with a solo practice specializing in general civil law.

Joshua EldenBrady

Background: Home schooled through high school, EldenBrady went to receive a bachelor’s of arts degree in English from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School in 2009 when he was admitted to the Michigan bar. He is working on a master’s degree in elementary education online through Western Governors University.

Since coming to Muskegon, EldenBrady has become president of the McLaughlin Neighborhood Association and is involved with activities through the Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Muskegon.

Key issues: The city must update its master plan and zoning ordinance as shown in the “debacle” with the former Sappi paper mill property. The city must “enable” its citizens with a change of attitude on the commission and at Muskegon City Hall. City policy must be “consistent” allowing everyone “equal footing.” Finally, waterfront priorities and downtown redevelopment are key issues facing the city.

Quote: “If someone has an idea of something they want to bring to Muskegon, we need to approach it from the angle of how can we make it work here not from why do you think it should be allowed here. Part of this is updating our ordinances to be simple, clear and enabling. Don’t tell people what they cannot do, tell them what they can. Language and attitude go a long way.”

Donnell Harvey, 48, of 2489 LeTarte

Occupation: He is a bus operator for the RAPID in Grand Rapids, where he has worked for the past 12 years.

Donnell Harvey

Background: He is a graduate of Muskegon High School and attended college but does not have a degree. He is married and the father of four.

Harvey served in the U.S. Air Force for 17 years. He is a member of the Muskegon Heights Optimist Club and the A. Phillip Randolph Institute.

Key issues: The three top issues are solving the future of the former Sappi paper mill property, dealing with the decommissioning of Consumers Energy’s B.C. Cobb generating plant on Muskegon Lake and the transition to the new Muskegon Farmers Market in the downtown and the issues involving Muskegon Bike Time.

Quote: “(On urban violence) I feel that the laws and ordinances on the books should be more strictly enforced. I am of the school of thought that the men and women that are trained and educated in the most up to date and modern police science and technologies conjoined with thoughtful and diverse commission, I believe that we could stem this violent tide. The city should be the top cheerleader for all that is Muskegon. We are world class when it comes to water and land. Our port and lakefronts I believe will make Muskegon the apple of some company’s eye. Last and not least, all of the industrial-sized parcels are awaiting for the city to promote and sell them.”

Ken Johnson, 32, 1281 Montgomery Ave.

Occupation: He is a senior analyst for CARMA International, a global media consultant in Washington D.C., working from Muskegon. He works with Fortune 500 companies to trade associations to access and measure how well they perform in their media coverage. He manages a team of researchers throughout the country.

Ken Johnson

Background: A 1999 graduate of Muskegon High School, Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in 2003 in international affairs and political science with concentrations in Middle East studies and international comparative politics.

He is treasurer of the Nims Neighborhood Association, a member of Working Together for Youth, a 2009 graduate of Leadership Muskegon, 2013 graduate of the Muskegon Citizens Police Academy. He received a Community Foundation for Muskegon County “love grant” in 2011 for a “Play It Forward” band concert event to support the Snurfer sculpture project downtown.

Quote: “Throughout our history, Muskegon economy has been dominated largely by a single sector, most notably lumber and manufacturing. Lately, there’s been much discussion of a ‘Blue Water’ economy that takes advantage of our water assets. Fortunately, such a water-based economy can support many sectors, from recreational and tourism to shipping and logistics to advanced manufacturing and food processing. It’s important that we embrace such diversification, as the more varied our economy is the better we’ll be able to withstand the ups and downs of the national and global economies. Utilizing our deep water port to advance Muskegon as a shipping and logistics hub is integral to securing our future. Meanwhile, greater commercial activity at the Pere Marquette beach, a growing Lakeside business district and continuing downtown re-development will further strengthen our economy.”

Mark Molitor, 46, of 1786 Beach St.

Occupation: He is vice president of engineering at SAF-Holland in Muskegon.

Mark Molitor

Background: Molitor is a graduate of West Ottawa High School who has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University. He owns a small business with his wife, Salon Riah on Henry Street. An extensive world traveler, Molitor ran unsuccessfully for the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners in 2012.

Key issues: The key issues facing the city are the increase in the violent crime rate, increased costs of local government and loss of revenue, and redevelopment of downtown, Pere Marquette Park and the former Sappi paper mill property on Muskegon Lake.

Quote: “(On urban violence) The one thing I’ve learned in life is that it has all been done before. We do not need to reinvent the wheel but study what other similar communities have done and find out what works and what doesn’t work. Keeping that in mind, I would recommend a committee be established to research methods and present a plan of action to the city commission. The plan would include their research results, budget recommendations and metrics. The committee would be led by the chief of police and have members of the police department, commission and community. Once a plan of action is approve, an assigned leader would be responsible for putting the plan into place and reporting quarterly on the progress.”

Bill Larson, 65, of 1555 Randolph Ave.

Occupation: His is retired and a former restaurant owner and Knights of Columbus manager, a retired auto salesman.

Bill Larson

Background: Larson is a former Muskegon city commissioner serving two terms over the past few decades. He is the current vice chairman of the Muskegon Planning Commission. He is a Muskegon High School graduate with two years of study at Muskegon Community College.

Key Issues: The key issues are stemming crime and violence, improving the city’s image, trying to increase the property tax base, securing limited state and federal funding and redeveloping downtown.

Quote: “Crime has to be the number one issue to deal with. City substations could be one way to deal with crime and using manpower judiciously is another. Continuing to build a strong relationship between the city of Muskegon and our public schools will be important.”

Incumbent Lea M. Markowski, 30, 1223 Ducey Ave.

Occupation: She is an account manager for LongerDays.com, the virtual assistance company in Muskegon.

Lea Markowski

Background: A graduate of Ferndale High School, Markowski has a associate degree in applied science from Baker College in 2006. She has worked professionally in customer service and office administration. She has been a Muskegon resident since 2004 and been involved in the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition and the Muskegon Conservation Club.

She was appointed to an open seat on the Muskegon City Commission in 2012 after a half dozen interviews with interested citizens. The at-large commission seat opening was created when Commissioner Steve Gawron was selected to fill a vacancy as mayor.

Key issues: The top issues are improving community culture that includes crime, citizen responsibility and connectedness to the neighborhoods, providing city services during a time of fluctuating revenues and working on economic improvements that create new jobs.

Quote: “I am requesting the votes of Muskegon residents because I have sincerely enjoyed listening to everyone I have met since joining the commission by appointment last summer. I have learned an incredible amount in that time and continue to apply that knowledge to the betterment of this city. From public safety services to complete streets, from senior transportation to eliminating dumping along our creeks, I am capable of navigating the large amount of input and information. While being an active member of the community means engaging in the issues which matter most to you- being a city commissioner means engaging with what matters most to 40,000 people. These frustrations, as well as the great ideas of many residents must be carefully considered and acted upon when possible. I bring strong interpersonal skills, empathy and patience, while still being determined and energetic. By listening for common denominators, closing resource gaps and proposing ideas however large or small, I am constantly seeking solutions.”

RayCharles Roberson, 45, of 1960 Howden Ave.

Occupation: He is semi-retired and on disability leave from CWC Textron.

RayCharles Roberson

Background: Roberson is a graduate of Muskegon High School. He has been a basketball coach at Bunker Middle School and a volunteer basketball coach at Steel Middle School. He ran unsuccessfully of the Ward 3 seat on the Muskegon City Commission in 2011.

Key issues: In the candidate forums, Roberson said it was time for a change at Muskegon City Hall. He spoke of the need to solve the violence issue in the inner city neighborhoods and of keeping businesses accountable in creating the jobs promised in exchange for city property tax breaks.

Quote: “Urban violence I believe stems from our youth not having anything to do along with young parents not knowing how to parent. We need to support the young parents and engage our youth. The first step would be to actually go out into the community and talk to them, find out what is keeping them on the street. The next is to create youth employment and activities to keep them busy. Thirdly, we need to support young parents with mentoring programs.”

William Snyder, 20, of 1985 Wood St.

Occupation: He is a full-time student at Muskegon Community College and an employee at Meijer Inc. in the produce and bulk foods department.

William Snyder

Background: A college student at MCC, Snyder graduated in 2012 from Mona Shores High School. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 706, participated in the Relay for Life of Muskegon and is a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951.

Key issues: The top issues facing Muskegon are the declining revenues and the impact on the city’s budget, crime and the need for economic development.

Quote: “Reducing the root causes of crime is the best way to make the city safer. I would focus on making sure our young people excel in school and that there are good paying jobs for our populace; this will be the greatest crime fighting tool for the city. The city commission should help lead the charge to restore the importance our city’s greatest asset (waterfront) to the center of our community. It also should be the commission’s responsibility to make sure that development is sensible and represents what the community envisions for town but also allows developers to be creative and dream big.”

William J. Springsted, 35, of 271 Catawba Ave.

Occupation: He is a full-time student through Fort Hays State University in Kansas and works in retail.

William Springstead

Background: Springstead went to Muskegon Public Schools through 10th grade and then graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School. He has attended Ferris State University prior to his work through Fort Hays State. He is retired from the Michigan Army National Guard. He coaches Little League baseball along with youth football and basketball. He has coached youth sports for more than four years. He is the father of four.

Key issues: In candidate forums, Springstead talked about a need for a change in Muskegon City Hall and for the city commissioners to be more approachable. Crime is an issue that needs to be solved beginning at home. The city would be better off if what divides the east side from the west side is narrowed and neighborhoods could learn from each other.

Quote: “I addressed the commission on (the issue of violence) back in March. We need parents to be involved with their children now more than ever. It takes a village to raise a child and we don’t have the village that is required. It’s not what the commission should be doing but it would help to see the commissioners and the mayor in the city more and not just when there is a march or something bad happens. The commissioners and the mayor need to be more involved with the everyday workings of the city. Citizens need to show up at meetings and voice their concerns there. That way they can and will be heard.”

Dan (Rinsema) Sybenga, 37, of 154 Campus Ave.

Occupation: He is the dean of workforce and talent development at Muskegon Community College.

Dan Sybenga

Background: Sybenga has a master’s in public administration from Grand Valley State University in 2005. He was the manager for Downtown Muskegon Now for five years, where he helped develop the Taste of Muskegon event. He is the secretary of the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association and a member of the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority board, Muskegon County Workforce Development Board, Michigan Irish Music Festival board, United Way Campaign Cabinet in 2013, Unity Breakfast Planning Committee among other community activities.

Key issues: The key issues are keeping the city financially solvent, bringing prosperity to citizens and businesses, using public safety to stem urban violence and the culture of a “lack of opportunity,” maintaining efficient public services, supporting downtown development, protecting the city’s natural resources through sustainability and looking at regional solutions to municipal funding issues.

Quote: “(On the violence issue) the city and commission should take a strong role to face this problem head on from the side of public safety, as well as from the perspective of changing the culture that violence is a symptom of. On the public safety side I believe the role of the police department should constantly be looked at for new and creative solutions. Chicago has seen a drop in violence after last year’s rash of homicides with a laser focus on policing hot spots. It seems like this could be effective in Muskegon as we have similar identified hot spots and a greater police presence, as well as surveillance cameras in these areas could help. The culture of violence stems from a hopelessness that there is not a place in society for those involved in activities that lead to violence, such as drug dealing and other informal economic activities. An effort is being made through youth and education programs to change this perception, but these initiatives need a shot in the arm through a coalition of employers, educational institutions, city programs and services etc. Limited activities are being done to show youth a path forward in the formal economy, but this needs to be expanded for the benefit of the city, our employers, and the community as a whole.”

Linda Traylor, 57, of 1669 Burton Rd.

Occupation: She is the owner of Social Graces.

Linda Traylor

Background: Traylor is the owner of an etiquette training business. She has attended Reeths-Puffer High School, Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley State University. She has been involved with West Michigan Therapy and United Way of the Lakeshore. Traylor is a choir director and Gospel singer.

Key issues: At the candidate forum, Traylor spoke of the need to give youth positive activities and opportunities in the city and the need for the city commission to be involved with children, youth and families. She said she would study the issues, be a voice of the citizens and work with her fellow commissioners.

On economic development, she said the city needs to work with agencies and groups such as the Muskegon port operators, the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission and the Muskegon County Road Commission to help develop Muskegon.

Quote: “I won’t be a candidate for your vote and then you don’t see me again.”